July 4th Pet Safety Tips — Dr. Aziza Glass on Fox Weather
Dr. Aziza Glass, veterinarian and founder of CAWLM Veterinary Hospital + Spa in Houston, recently appeared on Fox Weather to share essential July 4th safety tips for pet owners. Watch the full segment above, and read on for her key recommendations.
Fireworks Anxiety in Pets
The Fourth of July is one of the most stressful nights of the year for pets. Fireworks are loud, unpredictable, and terrifying to many animals — and more pets go missing on July 4th than any other single day of the year in the US. Signs your pet is experiencing fireworks anxiety include panting, pacing, hiding, shaking, drooling, and attempting to escape.
What helps:
Create a quiet, safe space indoors well away from windows before fireworks begin
Ensure your pet is microchipped and their ID tags are current before the holiday weekend
Talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety options in advance — don't wait until the night of the fireworks
Play calming music or white noise to muffle outdoor sounds
Never take your dog or cat to a fireworks display, no matter how calm they normally are
Toxic BBQ Foods to Keep Away From Pets
Summer cookouts bring an abundance of foods that are dangerous — sometimes fatally so — for dogs and cats. At your July 4th celebration, keep pets well away from:
Onions and garlic — toxic to both dogs and cats, causing damage to red blood cells
Corn on the cob — one of the leading causes of intestinal blockages in dogs; the cob is the danger, not the corn
Grapes and raisins — can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts
Chocolate and xylitol — extremely toxic; even small quantities can be life-threatening
Alcohol — never safe for pets in any form or amount
Cooked bones — can splinter and cause serious internal injuries
If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately, or bring them to your nearest emergency veterinary hospital right away.
General July 4th Pet Safety Tips
Keep all pets indoors during fireworks — even pets that seem calm can bolt in fear
Make sure all windows, doors, and gates are securely latched before dark
Never leave pets in a parked car — Houston's July heat can reach life-threatening temperatures inside a vehicle within minutes
Watch out for glow sticks and novelty items — enticing to pets but can cause drooling and gastrointestinal upset if chewed
Check your yard for dropped fireworks debris the morning after, before letting pets outside
Have questions about managing your pet's holiday anxiety, or need to update your pet's microchip registration before the long weekend? Contact our Houston veterinary team at CAWLM — we're here to make sure every member of your family, furry ones included, has a safe and happy Fourth of July.
CAWLM Veterinary Hospital + Spa | 4902 San Jacinto Street, Houston's Museum District | (832) 662-2956